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On January 7, 2018, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the Golden Globes were held to recognize achievement in film and American television. Unlike usual, though, there were no “Best Dressed” lists, and instead, actors and actresses dressed in black to stand in solidarity with sexual assault victims in the workplace, as well as to promote gender equality.

In 2017, more than 50 men in Hollywood were accused of sexual assault, exceeding any previous numbers. In turn, the men and women attending the Golden Globes chose to make a statement, showing their support for the victims and their lack of support for those being accused. Many actresses commented on the Red Carpet, including Marai Larasi, saying, “There’s something about women in Hollywood speaking out. There is a wall of silence around violence against women and girls and every time somebody speaks out, it just creates a bit of a crack in that wall.” Having an event with such influential people made an important statement to show support for victims.

The idea had been highly anticipated for months before the event, but stylists chose to keep quiet about their plans. When the day finally arrived, numerous men and women entered wearing black gowns and suits. Their attire was simple, but it was simultaneously more powerful and symbolic than anything worn in years past.

The dressing in black was also sparked by the Time’s Up movement, founded in 2006, but resurfaced after the initial Harvey Weinstein accusations. This defense fund provides legal support to anyone who has experienced assault of any kind in the workplace. Debra Messing spoke in an interview, saying that she was, “wearing black to, to stand in solidarity with my sisters all over the globe and I’m here to celebrate the rollout of this incredible initiative Time’s Up. We want diversity, we want intersectional gender parity, equal pay.” For many, their statement was about more than sexual assault in the workplace, but gender equality as a whole.

The statement made by celebrities attending has reached out far and wide to get even more people thinking in support of the movement. “Watching them was really inspiring, and it makes me very hopeful that such influential people are using their power for good and to make a difference,” said Lily Coady ‘20

Events like the Golden Globes, which many people watch, are a perfect place for men and women to stand together in solidarity for those who have experienced sexual assault and inequality in the workplace, and a great start to spreading the word about the issues and showing support for the victims.